slow cooker vegetable minestrone

Ever have those days where you don't really want to put all the time into preparing a big dinner? I know I do. Which is why I love my crock pot! Tonight, we had vegetable minestrone. 

Ingredients:

4 cups vegetable broth (from 32-oz carton)

4 cups of tomato juice

1 tablespoon dried basil leaves

1 teaspoon of salt

1/4 teaspoon of pepper

1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves

2 medium carrots, sliced

2 medium stalks of celery, sliced

1 medium onion, chopped

1 cup of fresh mushrooms, sliced

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 can of diced tomatoes (or dice them yourself)

1 1/2 cups of uncooked rotini pasta

shredded parmesan cheese, if desired

In 4- to 5-quart slow cooker, mix all ingredients except pasta and cheese. I used 4 quart and everything fit perfectly. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 7 to 8 hours. Stir in pasta. Increase heat setting to High; cover and cook 15 to 20 minutes longer or until pasta is tender. Sprinkle each serving with cheese.Voila!